Opposition politician Job Sikhala has condemned his incarceration on charges of inciting public violence and publishing falsehoods as “political abuse” and announced plans to sue the State for wrongful persecution. This follows his acquittal by judges of appeal, who quashed his conviction and sentencing.
Sikhala, who was arrested on June 14, 2022, spent 595 days in pretrial detention after being accused of inciting violence following the death of activist Moreblessing Ali. He was eventually released on bail but was later convicted and given a wholly suspended jail term. The High Court has now overturned this conviction, clearing Sikhala of all charges.
Legal Team Prepares to Sue
Speaking on Sikhala’s behalf, his lawyer Harrison Nkomo stated that the legal team is preparing to sue the State for wrongful persecution. “The second case was of incitement to commit public violence known as the Moreblessing Ali matter. The High Court found the conviction was wrong and upheld the appeal,” Nkomo said. He emphasized that Sikhala’s 595 days in detention were unjustified, and the legal team believes there is a strong case for compensation.
“We will sit down to look at the merits and demerits and get instructions. The instructions are to sue, and we believe there is a case,” Nkomo added. The legal action aims to hold the State accountable for the prolonged and unjust detention that Sikhala endured.
After his acquittal, Sikhala expressed his relief and frustration over the ordeal he endured. “I feel abused. I have been in prison for almost two years. These convictions were fake and had no standing at law. It was purely political abuse by my enemies in Harare,” Sikhala said. He stressed that his detention was a tactic by the regime to persecute him for his political activities and advocacy.
Sikhala described the trauma he experienced during his time at Chikurubi Maximum Prison. “Everything that happened was political persecution. They wanted to obtain their own political goals through my arbitrary detention,” he stated. Sikhala’s case has drawn significant attention to the issues of political repression and judicial fairness in Zimbabwe.
Sikhala’s acquittal marks a significant turn in a case that has highlighted the challenges faced by opposition figures in Zimbabwe. The former legislator’s legal team is determined to seek justice and compensation for the time he spent unjustly imprisoned. As Sikhala regains his freedom, he remains vocal about the need for political reform and accountability in the country.
Source: New Zimbabwe
